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Plastic #2 is recycled into pens, recycling containers, picnic tables, lumber, benches, fencing, and detergent bottles, to name a few.

PLASTIC #3 – V OR PVC (VINYL)

Plastic #3 is used to make food wrap, plumbing pipes, and detergent bottles, and is seldom accepted by curbside recycling programs. These plastics used to, and still may, contain phthalates, which are linked to numerous health issues ranging from developmental problems to miscarriages. They also contain DEHA, which can be carcinogenic with long-term exposure. DEHA has also been linked to loss of bone mass and liver problems. Don’t cook with or burn this plastic.

This plastic is recycled into paneling, flooring, speed bumps, decks, and roadway gutters.

PLASTIC #4 – LDPE (LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE)

Low density polyethylene is most found in squeezable bottles, shopping bags, clothing, carpet, frozen food, bread bags, and some food wraps. Curbside recycling programs haven’t been known to pick up this plastic, but more are starting to accept it. Plastic #4 rests among the recycling symbols considered to be safe.

This plastic is recycled into compost bins, paneling, trash can liners and cans, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes.

PLASTIC #5 – PP (POLYPROPYLENE)

Increasingly becoming accepted by curbside recycle programs, plastic #5 is also one of the safer plastics to look for.

It is typically found in yogurt containers, ketchup bottles, syrup bottles, and medicine bottles.

PLASTIC #6 – PS (POLYSTYRENE)

Polystyrene is Styrofoam, which is notorious for being difficult to recycle, and thus, bad for the environment. This kind of plastic also poses a health risk, leaching potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated. Most recycling programs won’t accept it.

PLASTIC #7 – OTHER, MISCELLANEOUS

All of the plastic resins that don’t fit into the other categories are placed in the number 7 category. It’s a mix bag of plastics that includes polycarbonate, which contains the toxic bisphenol-A (BPA). These plastics should be avoided due to possibly containing hormone disruptors like BPA, which has been linked to infertility, hyperactivity, reproductive problems, and other health issues.

Plastic #7 is found in sunglasses, iPod cases, computer cases, nylon, 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, and bullet-proof materials.

It is recycled into plastic lumber and other custom-made products.

THE BOTTOM LINE: WHICH RECYCLING NUMBERS TO AVOID, WHICH ARE ‘SAFEST’

In the end, it’s really best to avoid using all plastics if you’re able. But at the very least:

Avoid recycling symbols 3, 6, and 7. While Number 1 is considered safe, it is also best to avoid this plastic.

Look for symbols 2, 4, and 5, as these plastics are considered to be safest. These are the plastics to look for in terms of human and animal consumption.

In the end, plastics will still be used, but you can certainly limit your use of the product. Instead of buying plastic water bottles or other plastic containers, choose glass or invest in a high quality water filtration system to obtain your water from. (This is best for your health anyway).